How do I determine which version of Windows 8 is installed on a partition *without* booting it?

Q

I have a Windows 8 machine which isn't booting. I know that it has either:
Windows 8.0 Pro
Windows 8.1 Pro
Windows 8.1 Enterprise

I also have install DVD's for each of these. From past experience, I know that the Boot Repair process on the install media will fail if you aren't using install media which exactly matches the version of Windows you have installed on the partition you're fixing.

So, assuming that I can view the dates/names/contents of any of the files on the partition in some other way (either with CMD.EXE or Linux), where would I look to determine exactly what is installed?

✍: Guest

A

See if you this helps you out :-
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927392
Furthermore, you could try typing in bcdedit in the Command Prompt of the Recovery Environment which can be accessed by booting using the installation media and then clicking on Repair and then Advanced Repair Options and open the Command Prompt.

2014-09-17, 1811🔥, 0💬